How to treat problem skin and acne successfully without resorting to medication

Sponsors’ article: Sarah Hurst Skin Clinic

Problem skin and acne blights many a person’s life and it is a condition that we see much of in the salon. It isn’t a condition that affects only teenagers but many adults also suffer with this debilitating condition.  It is believed that ¾ of people between the ages of 11 – 30 will have acne at some time. 

The skin is the largest organ of the body and is there to protect us and our inner organs.  Because it is the outer organ, it is the most visible and when the skin is compromised it affects us both physically and mentally.   

Human skin has tiny holes in it called pores.  These are connected to sebaceous glands which produce oil (sebum).  This oily fluid carries dead skin cells up to the surface of the skin, and when they become blocked, spots occur that cause a blockage of oil under the skin. 

Propionibacterium acnes is a type of bacteria that lives in the skin.  There are different strains of the P.acnes bacteria and these can aggravate an immune response that cause acne. 

What causes it?  There is no definitive answer and there could be one cause or a variety of causes.  Environmental factors can contribute, so it is important to look at this when we perform a consultation.  We need to know the conditions that you are faced with every day so that we can address this if necessary.  Links have now been made to a high GI diet (high in carbs and sugar) and dairy products can have a direct effect on acne. 

Hormones are believed to be a contributing factor, particularly a rise in the Androgen levels.  This can cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge, producing more oil, breaking down the skin cell wall within the pores and causing a rise in bacteria. 

Most make-up on the market have a high chemical content.  These chemicals can aggravate the skin and block the pores. 

Genetic factors can also contribute as can some medications. 

In regards to treatment, at this time no-one can claim to cure acne!  But we can give it a helping hand.  By completing a thorough consultation, looking at all the factors that may be contributing to the condition, we can make recommendations based on our findings. 

Vitamin A is known to be successful with helping with this condition.  Most medications prescribed by the doctors are formed from Vitamin A (Retin A)  Unfortunately, whilst they can be highly successful, they have a myriad of side effects, including making the skin super sensitive and play havoc with our mental health. 

Environ products contain the highest form of Vitamin A that you can find in a cream before going onto medications.  This form of the vitamin is a form that is naturally found in the body, but when absorbed into the skin converts to Retin A, but without any of the harmful side effects!  This has got to be a winner. 

Feeding the skin from the inside is equally important and this is where we can approach it with Skin Accumax from the Advanced Nutrition Programme.  Containing a patented mix of Vitamin A and DIM (a nutrient found in Broccolli), clinical trials have been carried out which demonstrate the success of this supplement. 

Mild skin peels using either our Mesoestetic pharmaceutical range of peels, really help to sterilise the skin and again has huge benefits.  Salycylic Acid has a very deep and purifying effect on the skin. 

Finally, it can also be worth looking at food intolerances, and we can guide you towards tests that can show you which foods you are intolerant to, and then this can help with making some lifestyle changes. 

If you would like to find out more, then please call us and make an appointment for a full skin analysis where we can talk you through your options.